From historical paintings to carefully staged photo shoots, visual depictions of political figures play a critical role in shaping public opinion.
advertisementTeeth clenched. Furrowed eyebrows. Bulging biceps.
Europeans raised eyebrows when two moody black and white photos of French President Emmanuel Macron being thrown into a punching bag were posted on Instagram by his official photographer Soisig de la Moissonnière.
Social media users quickly couldn't help but compare Macron to legendary fictional boxer Rocky Balboa.
Some couldn't help but poke fun at the timing of the images, as President Macron urges Europe to step up its response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Some playfully speculated that Mr. Macron was preparing for a showdown with the Russian president. Vladimir Putinit's not uncommon for people to show off their athletic abilities in photo shoots.
But this is nothing new. Politics and portraiture have long been linked. From grand paintings of the past to candid snapshots, let's take a quick look at some other examples of how portraiture has been utilized by those in power.
napoleon the great
One Frenchman to another.
A dramatic painting by Jacques-Louis David napoleon More than just a work of art, Bonaparte astride a wild stallion became an enduring symbol of Napoleon's military prowess during the turbulent Napoleonic Wars.
This painting helped elevate the Corporal into an almost mythical hero in the eyes of many in French society.
David's work is perhaps the most famous of all those depicting Napoleon, but it was just one of many commissioned during his reign. Portraits proliferated during Napoleon's time, and the French state actively commissioned painters and sculptors to create hundreds of statues depicting its leader in a variety of poses and settings.
majestic monarchs
Englishman royal family adopted a similar approach over time.
Perhaps the most symbolic depiction is Henry VIIIGerman-born Hans Holbein painted this portrait of the English king in 1537, just one year after he was appointed official painter.
It is the ultimate display of a monarch's authority and majesty.
Wearing luxurious costumes, she stands tall and looks straight at the viewer, giving off an air of domination. He has his legs spread apart and his arms at his sides, in a posture reminiscent of a warrior.
It was originally exhibited as part of the Whitehall Murals depicting the Tudor dynasty in the Palace of Whitehall, Westminster, but the work was destroyed in a fire in 1698.
humanize politicians
Here are some notable examples of portraits painted in modern times. Northern Irish artist Colin Davidson has taken on the task of painting German Chancellor Angela Merkel. time Magazine of 2015.
Unlike the typical rigidity of political portraits, Davidson's approach aimed to reveal the depth of humanity beneath Merkel's public persona.
“What I wanted to do was portray it in such a way that when people look into her face in the portrait and look into her eyes, they feel a sense of empathy and compassion,” Davidson said. said.
roaring lion
From here we move on to the realm of photography.
advertisementYusaf Karsh's Second World War portrait of winston churchillThis photo taken during World War II is a perfect example of how photography can capture the mood and essence of an influential person.
As Karsh recalled, the photo session lasted just two minutes. “He wasn't in the mood for portraits, so he only allowed me two minutes.”
In a bold move, Mr. Kirsch snatched the cigar from Mr. Churchill's mouth, resulting in a photo of Mr. Churchill looking violently hostile. “By the time I got back in front of the camera, he looked so belligerent that he looked like he was going to devour me,” Kirsch later recalled.
Churchill's posture and facial expressions reflected the prevailing sentiments in wartime Britain and symbolized his tenacity in the face of an all-conquering enemy.
The Fisher Museum of Art at the University of Southern California hailed the portrait as a “defiant, grimacing portrait.” [which] It became a symbol of Britain's stance against fascism. ”
advertisementPresident Putin riding a pony
Finally, we come to an elaborate 2009 photo shoot depicting a shirtless Putin riding a horse through the Siberian wilderness, portraying him as a burly Russian outdoorsman.
For many, this photo may evoke interesting similarities; james bondFor Russians, the film resonates more deeply with the heroic figures of the country's folklore, who defended the country from outside threats on horseback.
“They are trying to play with Russian folk traditions,” said political magazine editor Evgenia Arbats. new era.
“The message is this: I am the master of Russian space,” she said. “I go to our roots, to nature, to lands unoccupied. I am the only warrior in these lands.”
Many are comparing Macron's boxing photos to this display of masculinity.
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